Ben Simmons’ journey from Australia to the NBA draft
Since his breakout season with the LSU Tigers, Ben Simmons has been touted as the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. With the basketball world shifting from the NBA Finals to Thursday night’s selection games, some teams are still undecided on who they want to take in 48 hours.
One franchise in particular, who’s been on a rebuilding process for the last four seasons, has been the Philadelphia 76ers. Exactly twenty years ago, the team had their last top pick in the draft, as they selected Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson as their new franchise player.
Philadelphia, who held a workout session with Simmons earlier this morning, as reportedly informed his agent Rich Paul and camp that he’ll be selected first later this week.
The 76ers still have a lot of decision making to do, including whether they want to keep Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, as the Celtics are reportedly on their short-list of buyers.
At the moment, Philadelphia wants to trade one of their front-court members, with hopes of landing Providence stand-out point guard, Kris Dunn – and are desperate for this transaction.
While a lot has to be decided from now until Thursday, we’re sure this early report can help teams move forward with easier decision making – in the biggest night off-season transaction for the NBA.
Sources say Ben Simmons' workout for the Sixers today is the strongest indication yet Philadelphia has promised to select Simmons at No. 1.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 21, 2016
There is little chance, sources say, Simmons' agent Rich Paul would have granted Philly permission to hold a workout without such a promise.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 21, 2016
This morning Philadelphia 76ers informed camp of Ben Simmons he would be taken No. 1 in NBA Draft, league sources tell @clevelanddotcom.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 21, 2016